Marsy’s Law for Georgia Recognizes Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles Member Meg Heap with Champion Award
Heap receives a Challenge Coin for her role and support as a victim advocate for the State of Georgia
ATLANTA – April 19, 2022 - Marsy’s Law for Georgia is honored to present Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles Board Member Meg Heap with its Champion Award Challenge Coin for her continued work and support as an esteemed Marsy’s Law for Georgia advisory board member and champion for victims’ rights.
Meg Heap began her career as a volunteer coordinator and victim advocate with the Victim-Witness Assistance Program in the Savannah District Attorney's office. From 1995 to 2010, she served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Eastern Judicial Circuit where she would later serve two terms as District Attorney. In 2019, Heap was recognized as District Attorney of the Year by The District Attorney's Association of Georgia. In 2021, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp appointed Heap to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles.
As a Marsy’s Law for Georgia advisory board member, she has continuously advocated for victims’ rights since 2021. Awarding Heap with the Marsy’s Law Champion Award Challenge Coin coincides with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, falling on April 24-30 this year. Since 1981, the annual week-long acknowledgment is designed to challenge barriers that crime victims face in the pursuit of justice and celebrate the accomplishments of those who continue to propel the victims’ rights movement.
“The tenacity Meg has shown in the fight for crime victims is something we will always treasure,” says Marsy’s Law for Georgia consultant Brad Alexandar. “It is very timely that we are honoring Meg during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Shining a light on the need to fight for crime victims and their families is what Meg does every day.”
Champion Award Challenge Coins are a keepsake and symbol that represent outstanding achievements within an organization and are awarded when individuals overcome tremendous obstacles to achieve their goals. Marsy’s Law for Georgia recognizes individuals with challenge coins as a token of their commitment to justice and dedication to raising awareness surrounding victims’ rights.
“It is such an honor to be recognized by Marsy’s Law for Georgia,” said Heap. “My entire career has been focused on the fight for victims’ rights and I’m proud that I’ve been able to play a part in improving the outcomes for victims in Georgia. This Challenge Coin will not only serve as a testament to my accomplishments but also as a reminder that there is still more to do.”
Georgia Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan was the most recent recipient of the Marsy’s Law Challenge Coin due to his work in the introduction and passing of the Criminal Record Responsibility Act (CRRA) earlier in April. Past Marsy’s Law Challenge Coin recipients also include, Peter Skandalakis, Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council (PAC) of Georgia’s executive director, Kimya Motley and Beverly Muhammad, Marsy’s Law for Georgia advisory board members, and Senator John Lewis. More recipients will be announced throughout the year. To nominate a crime victim’s advocate for consideration, please contact Frances Chang at [email protected].
####
About Marsy’s Law for Georgia
In 2018, Marsy’s Law amended the Georgia State Constitution to include a Bill of Rights for victims of violent crimes during criminal proceedings. The constitutional amendment received broad support and assures rights for victims, including standing to petition a court if they feel that their rights have been violated. Georgia is one of the numerous states across the country that have added Marsy’s Law to their constitutions in recent years. To learn more about Marsy’s Law Georgia, visit https://www.marsyslawforga.com/. Victims and supporters interested in sharing their stories can email [email protected].
For more information on Marsy’s Law for All, please visit www.marsyslaw.us.